Photos: Bright future for fruits, vegetables, and nuts?

University of Arizona Agricultural Economist Russ Tronstad points to a mostly bullish forecast - demand and price wise - for many western-grown commodities, including tree nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Yet he predicts softening alfalfa prices in the short term, and a mixed future for western irrigated cotton due to crop insurance and global competition.

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Pancho Tabazion checks Navel oranges at the Orange Cove-Sanger Citrus Association packinghouse in Sanger, Calif. The demand for fruits, vegetables, and nuts is increasing tied to higher personal incomes worldwide, according to University of Arizona agricultural economist Russ Tronstad.

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Russ Tronstad, University of Arizona agricultural economist, paints a rosy outlook for western specialty crops.